The reform of Serbia’s police force and its transformation into a service accountable to the citizens was one of biggest challenges Serbia faced after the overthrow of Miloševiæ. How successful has it been? This paper by the Conflict Studies Research Centre assesses Serbian police reform between 2000 and 2006. It suggests that although the police are no longer seen as a negative force, they are still not perceived as an accountable citizens’ service.
Police reform is now a prerequisite of transitions from an authoritarian state to a democratic polity. It was considered particularly important in post-Miloševiæ Serbia. De-politicisation, de-centralisation, de-criminalisation and de-militarisation of the police became priorities that were publicly declared by both post-Miloševiæ governments. However, these priorities were not systematically developed as government policy. Neither government adopted any overall strategy for the implementation of police reform. This failure of policy and clear implementation strategy led to a lack of capacity as well as a lack of precise time-frames for moving towards the proclaimed goals.
Reform has been going on with varying intensity. However, due to the legacy of conflict, internal political instability and the present regional security challenges political influence is still present at all levels. The Minister of Interior is still seen as the top operational police officer. The recently adopted Law on Police has made a division between political and operational components, but the Minister still has the final say on many issues that are usually under the competence of the chief of police.
Pending the new Serbian constitution, the police service remains a centralised authority, reflecting the structure of the centralised state. This also influences the development of a community safety concept. Other challenges include the following:
- The lack of legal instruments compatible with international standards hinders reform as does the slow pace of implementation of new legislation.
- Parliamentary oversight is at a rudimentary stage, primarily due to the inertia and incompetence of MPs.
- Enhancing the fight against organised crime on the Balkan Route depends on further development of the national criminal intelligence system, forensics and border policing.
- Police education is being reformed, however, personnel management remains a problem.
Police culture and values need to evolve to meet the changing social values of a society in transition, which is striving towards the EU.
- If the results are to be sustained, a long-term home affairs strategy needs to be in place.
- Although the majority of high-ranking Miloševiæ-era police officers were sent into retirement, Serbia’s police service still needs significant further rehabilitation.
- Specific importance should be given to the modernisation and institutionalisation of training since it is the foundation of ongoing professional development and advancement.
